Halloween is almost upon us, but it’s not too late to celebrate the spooky season. Whether you don’t overdo things or invite friends and family over for the festivities, there’s still time to plan.
Life is expensive, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate Halloween while on a budget. You don’t need to empty your bank account to have fun with the people you love. Here are a few creative ways to celebrate Halloween without scaring your wallet.
1. Wear your DIY costume and hand out candy
For those without kids, there’s still fun to be had on Halloween night. If you live in an area where trick-or-treaters are seen, why not get into the spirit by handing out Halloween candy?
You can keep things affordable by wearing a DIY costume made with items from around the house. Retailers like Aldi and Target are also great places to stock up on cheap candy.
2. Take a stroll in your local park and admire the leaves
Maybe you want to experience those feel-good autumn feelings instead of the scary ones. I have the perfect idea for you: Visit your favorite local park and go for a walk.
Walking is good for your body and mind and provides an ideal excuse to get outside and get away from technology. As an added bonus, you can admire the beautiful autumn leaves around you.
3. Attend last-minute local Halloween events and activities
Some Halloween celebrations can be expensive, like visiting a fancy haunted house. But not every celebratory event needs money. There may be some breaking community events nearby. Check your community’s social media pages or the local newspaper to see if there are any free or low-cost local events in the next few days.
There’s a freefall festival and parade in my area next weekend. Another event near my house that is almost free is a ghost story bonfire night at a local brewery. The event itself is free. I plan to stop by and have a beer so it’s an affordable night out.
4. Paint pumpkins with your kids
Carving a pumpkin can be fun, but it’s not the safest or easiest option if you have young children. If you want to plan a kid-friendly Halloween activity that won’t upset you, consider painting pumpkins.
This fun project encourages creativity. Many stores discount their pumpkins a few days before Halloween, so you can find a good deal. If you don’t have paint or other craft supplies, a dollar store is a good place to shop for inexpensive basics.
5. Listen to a spooky podcast or audiobook
Maybe you’re looking for a stress-free, pajama-friendly way to celebrate the holidays. If so, you’re my type. You don’t have to go out or wait for a busy event to celebrate.
If you want to stay home and enjoy something other than a scary movie, consider listening to a spooky podcast or audiobook. Both options provide a low-key way to experience all the spooky sensations without having to make elaborate plans or wear uncomfortable pants.
You can have fun without ignoring your finances
While you continue to work towards your personal finance goals, make sure you don’t skip out on having fun. It’s smart to stick to a budget, but you should also prioritize enjoying life. Luckily, you don’t have to run up an expensive credit card bill to get into the Halloween spirit.
This Halloween season, I dare you to get creative and find free and low-cost ways to celebrate the holiday.
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